Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Medical Genetics Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Medical Cell Biology

Virginia Commonwealth University

2017

Articles 1 - 2 of 2

Full-Text Articles in Medical Genetics

Characterization Of The Role Of Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 7 (Igfbp7) Using A Genetic Knockout Mouse Model, Maaged A. Akiel Jan 2017

Characterization Of The Role Of Insulin-Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 7 (Igfbp7) Using A Genetic Knockout Mouse Model, Maaged A. Akiel

Theses and Dissertations

In the US, the incidence and mortality rates of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are alarmingly increasing since no effective therapy is available for the advanced disease. Activation of IGF signaling is a major oncogenic event in diverse cancers, including HCC. Insulin-like growth factor binding protein-7 (IGFBP7) inhibits IGF signaling by binding to IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) and functions as a potential tumor suppressor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). IGFBP7 abrogates tumors by inducing cancer-specific senescence and apoptosis and inhibiting angiogenesis. We now document that Igfbp7 knockout (Igfbp7-/- ) mouse shows constitutive activation of IGF signaling, presents with pro-inflammatory and immunosuppressive microenvironment, and develops …


Role Of Translation Initiation In Regulation Of Epithelial Junctions And Cell Motility, Fahda Fawaz Alsharief Jan 2017

Role Of Translation Initiation In Regulation Of Epithelial Junctions And Cell Motility, Fahda Fawaz Alsharief

Theses and Dissertations

The integrity and barrier properties of intestinal epithelium are determined by specialized adhesive structures known as intercellular junctions; composed of adherens junctions (AJs), tight junctions (TJs) and focal adhesions that mediate cell-cell and cell matrix interactions, respectively. These two types of epithelial cell adhesions regulate each other during disruption and restitution of the epithelial barrier. Inflammatory cytokines such as interferon gamma (IFNγ) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) are elevated during intestinal inflammation. The most notable effects of IFNγ and TNFα on intestinal epithelial homeostasis involve disruption of apical junctions and attenuation of cell migration. Although molecular mechanisms underlying these …